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Visitor Opportunities

Environmental Education

The lighthouse at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: USFWS

Structured educational programs are available for schools, universities, and professional groups. If you are interested in these offerings, please write or call the refuge for additional information.

Fishing

Currently sportfishing is permitted on Monomoy and is an important activity. Surf fishing is regulated according to Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife Laws. Recreational anglers are required to have a Massachusetts State license for saltwater fishing. Shellfishing is allowed on the Refuge and recreational shellfishermen require local permits from the Town of Chatham and must follow local regulations. Recreational shellfish permits are issued for Town residents and non-residents.

Interpretation

The refuge headquarters and visitor contact station are located on Morris Island and contains exhibits and informative brochures. Interpretive signs are located along the 3/4-mile Morris Island trail. Guided walks on the Morris Island trail are conducted in the summer. Call the refuge for more information.

Wildlife Observation and Photography

A 3/4-mile nature trail is located on Morris Island and winds through a variety of coastal habitats. Overlooks along the trail provide views of the refuge's North and South Monomoy Islands. A trail leads you to the Monomoy Lighthouse on South Monomoy Island. North and South Monomoy Islands are accessible by boat only. You may reach the islands by private boats or, in season, by commercial ferry. Portions of the islands may be closed seasonally; check ahead by contacting the refuge. There is road access to Morris Island, with limited parking available at the visitor contact station.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a national educational program to inform visitors about reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities, particularly non-motorized recreation. Leave No Trace principles and practices are based on an abiding respect for the natural world and our fellow wildland visitors. We can act on behalf of the places and wildlife that inspire us by adopting the skills and ethics that enable us to Leave No Trace.

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Respect wildlife.
6. Be considerate of other visitors.

For more information on Leave No Trace, visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Web site. (http://www.lnt.org)

Hours

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, except for individuals surf fishing on Morris Island, which is permitted 24 hours a day. The visitor center is open intermittently in winter as staff is available, summers it is open Monday - Saturday; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.